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TV,eh? What's up in Canadian television
Featured, Reality, Lifestyle & Documentary

CTV Comedy Channel’s Roast Battle Canada returns January 12

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From a media release:

New year, new scorch marks. The country’s boldest comedians swing hard and spare no one in Season 5 of ROAST BATTLE CANADA, airing Mondays at 10:30 p.m. ET/PT on CTV Comedy Channel beginning Jan. 12, and streaming next day on Crave. Each of the eight half-hour episodes feature two pairs of Canadian comedians stepping up to the mic to dish out ruthless jokes at one another’s expense – with no punchlines off limits – in a no-holds-barred verbal showdown with the hope of being crowned the winner.

Returning as judges this season are celebrated comics Russell Peters, Sabrina Jalees, and K. Trevor Wilson, alongside actor and comedian Ennis Esmer as host.

For the first time ever, Season 5 of ROAST BATTLE CANADA was filmed in front of a live audience at Espace St-Denis during the Just for Laughs Festival in Montréal this past summer. Viewers can also enjoy the first four seasons of ROAST BATTLE CANADA on Crave ahead of the Season 5 premiere.

Comedians stepping into the verbal octagon and facing off in ROAST BATTLE CANADA Season 5 matchups are:

Episode 1 – Monday, Jan. 12 at 10:30 p.m. ET/PT

Battle 1 – Dino Archie vs. Faris Hytiaa
Battle 2 – Jackie Pirico vs. Alistair Ogden

Episode 2 – Monday, Jan. 19 at 10:30 p.m. ET/PT

Battle 1 – Jimbo vs. Lemon
Battle 2 – Allie Pearse vs. Jeff McEnery

Episode 3 – Monday, Jan. 26 at 10:30 p.m. ET/PT

Battle 1 – Crystal Ferrier vs. Rebecca Reeds
Battle 2 – Tranna Wintour vs. Sam Sferrazza

Episode 4 – Monday, Feb. 2 at 10:30 p.m. ET/PT

Battle 1 – Kyle Brownrigg vs. Anjelica Scannura
Battle 2 – Andrew Packer vs. Nitish Sakhuja

Episode 5 – Monday, Feb. 9 at 10:30 p.m. ET/PT

Battle 1 – Mark Little vs. Laura Cilevitz
Battle 2 – Ben Sosa-Wright vs. Alistair Ogden

Episode 6 – Monday, Feb. 16 at 10:30 p.m. ET/PT

Battle 1 – Tyler Morrison vs. Michelle Forrester
Battle 2 – Che Durena vs Jacob Balshin

Episode 7 – Monday, Feb. 23 at 10:30 p.m. ET/PT

Battle 1 – Jackie Pirico vs. Tom Henry
Battle 2 – Graham Chittenden vs. Aisha Alfa

Episode 8 – Monday, March 2 at 10:30 p.m. ET/PT

Battle 1 – Jon Dore vs. Rebecca Kohler
Battle 2 – Kenny Robinson vs. Darren Frost

The multiple Canadian Screen Award-nominated ROAST BATTLE CANADA is produced by CTV Comedy Channel, in association with Just For Laughs. Executive Producers for Just for Laughs are Sylvain Parent-Bedard, Nick Brazao, Spencer Griffin, Marie-Claude Filteau, Russell Peters, George Reinblatt, and Trevor Boris, who also serves as showrunner.

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Reality, Lifestyle & Documentary

APTN docuseries Animal Nation, narrated by Tantoo Cardinal, features iconic wildlife through the eyes of Indigenous People who share their lands

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From a media release:

2Ducks Media and APTN are proud to announce the launch of the sweeping docuseries Animal Nation, premiering January 8, 2026 on APTN (in English) and streaming on APTN+. This groundbreaking project, created in collaboration with Indigenous communities across Canada and the U.S., takes viewers deep into the heart of some of the continent’s most beautiful wild spaces and tells the stories of seven iconic animals, guided by the people who have co-existed and protected their shared territories for generations. From incredible animal behaviour to on-the-ground conservation efforts, each of the seven episodes highlights a keystone species: Bear, Beaver, Bison, Caribou, Eagle, Salmon, and Wolf.

Filmed over two years, the series features spectacular landscapes and wildlife cinematography while highlighting a long-overlooked missing link in wildlife storytelling — the undeniable interconnectedness with generations of Indigenous people who have lived alongside these species and in these ecosystems. This coexistence has created an extensive knowledge base, unique conservation initiatives, cultural stewardship, collaboration with Western scientists, and a synergy evident throughout the episodes, as they all work to restore vital connections between the animals, the environment, and all of us who share these often-threatened spaces.

Created by Ojibway producer Jesse Bochner and Moroccan-born producer Ari A. Cohen, and a talented team of Indigenous key creatives — writers, directors, editors, composers and acclaimed narrator Tantoo Cardinal — the series blends everything audiences love in wildlife storytelling with the depth, insight, and relationships that come from Indigenous knowledge and culture. 

“I am honoured by the privilege gifted to us by the communities and the animals themselves,” says director and co-creator Jesse Bochner. “One day we’re wading through thousands of spawning salmon, the next we’re placing secret cameras to capture the genius of a beaver. Every moment reminded us how much knowledge and generosity lives in these places. It was amazing and humbling for our entire team.”

“This project changes the way you see the land, the animals, and our future,” adds producer and director of photography Ari A. Cohen. “Wildlife films often ignore Indigenous and local knowledge — and that knowledge is the key to moving forward on a better path.”

Filmed in often rugged and remote areas with privileged access granted by the communities, Animal Nation moves from the caribou ranges near Yellowknife to the Khutzeymateen Grizzly Bear Sanctuary in BC, to the salmon rivers of Labrador, the bison herds of Alberta and Montana, and the eagle territories of PEI and Sts’ailes — capturing moving connections between wildlife, culture, and people that are rarely seen on screen.

“I consider it a victory that these stories are being told,” says Tantoo Cardinal. “Growing up, I had a real relationship with the wind and the birds and the environment, so it’s kind of like in my blood, in my marrow to be able to be a part of speaking for the animals and to touch on the relationship we all have with the world that surrounds us.”

Animal Nation is produced in association with APTN and the financial participation of the Canada Media Fund, the Rogers Series Fund, the Québec Film and Television Tax Credit and the Canadian Film or Video Production Tax Credit. French and Mohawk versions will air at a later date. 

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Featured

Hockey Night in Canada in Cree and Inuktitut skates back to APTN and APTN Languages

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From a media release:

Hockey Night in Canada in Cree and Inuktitut is geared up and ready to go with a new series of games airing on both APTN and APTN Languages:   

  • Saturday, January 10, 2026, in Inuktitut: Vancouver Canucks at Toronto Maple Leafs, 7 p.m. ET 
  • Saturday, January 31, 202,6 in Inuktitut: New Jersey Devils at Ottawa Senators, 7 p.m. ET 
  • Saturday, February 28, 202,6 in Inuktitut: Calgary Flames at Los Angeles Kings, 7 p.m. ET 
  • Saturday, March 14, 202,6 in Plains Cree: San Jose Sharks at Montreal Canadiens, 7 p.m. ET 
  • Saturday, March 28, 202,6 in Plains Cree: Vancouver Canucks at Calgary Flames, 10 p.m. ET 
  • Saturday, April 11, 202,6 in Plains Cree: Philadelphia Flyers at Winnipeg Jets, 7 p.m. ET 

Returning with the call are David Ningeongan, Pujjuut Kusugak and Robert Kabvitok for the games in Inuktitut, and Clarence Iron, Earl Wood, John Chabot and Jason Chamakese for the games in Plains Cree. APTN, in partnership with Sportsnet, is thrilled to continue celebrating Indigenous languages, expanding representation in sports broadcasting and connecting hockey fans from coast to coast to coast. 

Missed any of the action? We’ve got you covered. Watch next-day repeats on APTN Languages. 

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Featured, Saint-Pierre

CBC sets Winter & Spring Premiere Dates before and after Milano Cortina 2026 for over 20 Original Canadian Series

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From a media release:

CBC today announced streaming and broadcast premiere dates for its winter and spring 2026 slate of new and returning programming on CBC Gem and CBC TV, including more than 20 original series from Canadian creators, producers, and storytellers. The first episode of all series will be available to stream on CBC Gem starting at 9 a.m. ET on their premiere dates noted below, with a new episode available weekly at the same time unless otherwise specified. CBC TV local broadcast times are noted in parentheses. For Newfoundland and Labrador, please add half an hour to all times. Holiday and New Year’s Eve programming will be announced separately.

Winter & Spring 2026 Series

  • Coronation Street (Weekdays at 7 p.m.)
  • Family Feud Canada Season 7 (64×30) (Four nights a week, Monday to Thursday, at 7:30 p.m.)
  • Murdoch Mysteries Season 19 (21×60) – Continues Monday, January 5 (8 p.m.)
  • Saint-Pierre Season 2 (12×60) – Premieres Monday, January 5 (9 p.m.)
  • This Hour Has 22 Minutes Season 33 (21×30) – Continues Tuesday, January 6 (8 p.m.)
  • Still Standing Season 11 (8×30) – Premieres Tuesday, January 6 (8:30 p.m.) Season 11 visits Osoyoos, BC; Glace Bay, NS; Arnprior, ON; Grand Manan Island, NB; Acton, ON; Lennox Island, PEI; Flin Flon, MB and St. Thomas, ON.
  • Small Achievable Goals Season 2 (8×30) – Premieres Tuesday, January 6 (9 p.m.)
  • Wild Cards Season 3 (10×60) – Premieres Wednesday, January 7 (8 p.m.)
  • Allegiance Season 3 (10×60) – Premieres Wednesday, January 7 (9 p.m.)
  • Dragons’ Den Season 20 (16×60) – Continues Thursday, January 8 (8 p.m.)
  • The Nature of Things Season 65 (10×60) – Continues Thursday, January 8 (9 p.m.) The season continues with engaging and timely topics including Proof: The New Science of Alcohol (Dec. 30 on CBC Gem and Jan. 8 on CBC TV); Survival of the Slowest (Jan 15) and Can Dogs Talk? (Jan 22).
  • Cirque Life New Documentary Series (5×60) – Premieres Thursday, March 19 (8 p.m.)
    Cirque Life pulls back the curtain on Cirque du Soleil and reveals an unprecedented look at the smash hit LUZIA. The cast and crew return home to Montreal for the first time since the show’s 2016 premiere, for an unforgettable summer under the big top. Amid roaring crowds and rising expectations, cameras capture every triumph and challenge as they grapple with up to ten performances a week during an epic four-month run. There’s no margin for error as this committed troupe keeps up with jaw-dropping acrobatics, life in the limelight, and a gruelling non-stop pace.
  • Just For Laughs Galas Season 21 (4×60) – Premieres Tuesday, March 24 (9 p.m.)
  • Must Love Dogs New Factual Series (10×30) – Premieres Monday, April 20 on CBC Gem
    This heart-warming new series follows the fascinating lives of CFL All-Star Brady Oliveira and realtor-rescue influencer Alex Blumberg. Together with the dedicated volunteers of K9 Advocacy, they rescue and find forever homes for dogs in need across Manitoba. Must Love Dogs offers an intimate look at how this Winnipeg power couple navigates high-stakes rescues, Brady’s drive to win for the Blue Bombers, and their race to rehome as many dogs as possible before a brutal winter sets in. It’s a love story between two people, their hometown, and every four-legged soul that steals their hearts.

CBC News

  • About That With Andrew Chang (19×30) – Continues Friday, January 9 at 8:30 p.m. on CBC TV (Weekday mornings on the CBC News streaming channel and available now on CBC Gem)
  • Marketplace Season 53 (15×30) – Continues Friday, January 16 (8 p.m.)
  • The Fifth Estate Season 51 (14×60) – Continues Friday, January 16 (9 p.m.)
  • The National (Live at 10 p.m. weekdays and Sundays on CBC TV and CBC Gem)
    CBC’s flagship national newscast with Chief Correspondent Adrienne Arsenault (Monday – Thursday) and Ian Hanomansing (Sunday).
  • CBC Morning Live (Weekday mornings on CBC TV and CBC News Network)
    New host David Common joins CBC News’ national morning show beginning Monday, February 2.
  • Power & Politics With David Cochrane (Weeknights on CBC News Network)
  • Hanomansing Tonight (Weeknights on CBC News Network)
  • Rosemary Barton Live (Sundays on CBC TV and CBC News Network)

CBC Sports

  • CBC Sports Presents (Saturday and Sunday afternoons on CBC TV and CBC Gem)
  • CBC Sports Primetime (Sunday evenings on CBC TV and CBC Gem beginning January 11)
    CBC Sports has the biggest competitions from the world of high performance sports including Alpine Skiing World Cups, Freestyle Skiing World Cups, Long Track Speed Skating World Cups, Snowboard World Cups, and the Canadian National Figure Skating Championship (Jan. 6-11 in Gatineau, Québec). Plus, the new PWHL season begins Saturday, November 29, with weekly games through March. Visit cbcsports.ca for the full schedule.
  • Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026
    As Canada’s Olympic and Paralympic Network, CBC will bring audiences across the country all of the excitement of the Olympic Winter Games (February 6-22) and Paralympic Winter Games (March 6-16) in Milano Cortina, ensuring they never miss a moment of the action. CBC’s extensive English-language coverage of the Olympic Winter Games will feature live broadcasts from every venue and include every Canadian medal-winning moment, totalling more than 2,000 hours of live content across its multiple platforms. Details about CBC’s Olympic Winter Games coverage plans and broadcast team were recently announced, with details on the Paralympic Winter Games to come soon.

CBC Kids

  • Hey Joojo! (Weekday mornings on CBC TV and available on CBC Gem)
  • It’s Andrew! (Wednesday and Friday mornings on CBC TV as of Dec. 10 and available on CBC Gem starting Dec. 5)
  • Dino Ranch: Island Explorers (Saturday mornings on CBC TV and available on CBC Gem)
  • Toopy & Binoo – Fabulous Adventures (Saturday mornings on CBC TV and available on CBC Gem)
  • Go Togo (Weekday mornings on CBC TV and available on CBC Gem and the CBC Kids streaming channel)
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Acting Good, Featured

Paul Rabliauskas on Acting Good Season 4, and the surprises of making a TV show

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By Scott Campbell

Paul Rabliauskas says the long, hard work of making a television sitcom like CTV’s Acting Good did surprise him.

But with 40 episodes out for viewers to watch at the end of this season, he feels that is an accomplishment.

“Not every show gets four seasons,” Rabliauskas said during a phone interview.

“There’s a feeling of being grateful to be a part of it, and honestly, we worked so hard on it. There’s no time to reflect because we are always go, go, go. We get a month and a half off between seasons before we are writing again and editing.”

Viewers may have come across some stand-up comedy done by Rablauskas. He is a member of the Poplar River First Nation. The sitcom films on location in Winnipeg and Brokenhead Ojibway Nation, which then puts on screens the ups and downs of reserve life at the fictional Grouse Lake First Nation.

Along with being in the cast, he is also the co-creator of Acting Good along with Amber-Sekowan Daniels, Eric Toth and Pat Thornton. Rablauskas also outlines the stories for each season, which writers would come in and flesh out.

“I was obsessed with television,” said Rablauskas. “I was kind of a chubby kid who didn’t want to go outside. We lived in the bush, and all my brothers and cousins would go swimming and go play. I wanted to stay home and watch Married with Children.”

“I just wanted to watch sitcoms all day. I kind of studied sitcoms and comedy, it was like comfort food to me to be around comedy … when I was 16, I had hosted a show on APTN called Cool Jobs for three seasons. I had the ability to be funny on camera even at a young age.”

“So, I always fantasize about having a show, that didn’t mean I didn’t think I would get into acting … then the stand-up thing happened and met Pat Thornton at a show, he said, ‘Hey man, your story about being from the rez that’s pretty unique.’ And that’s all it took…”

For being a stacked Indigenous show on television, says Rablauskas, the process of making a season is a long one. The writing process starts in January, and with the season presently airing on television, work continues until December.

The cast of Acting Good

Rablauskas gives much credit to the team that put together the show, including the directors, such as Michael Greyeyes, who also plays Cousin Leon, and the cast and crew.

On the acting front, there’s trying to remember the line and making sure you hit your mark, as well as being aware of your eyeline. However, the hardest work is maintaining the energy. That scene, he said, which you shot at 8 a.m., has to have the same energy when you shoot at 10 p.m.

“I wasn’t prepared for (the work and time),” he said. “Michael said you’ll come home and cry, and there’s no reason for it. And I’ve done that eight times since he said it, because I’m so exhausted.”

“I think what makes it worthwhile is all the Native kids that message me,” said Rablauskas, “And pitching show ideas, they want me to add characters. All the kids on the rez want to be included. I think the fact that so many young kids on my reserve are excited about it, I think that’s my favourite part of it.”

Another cool aspect of the show, although sometimes overwhelming, is the fan reaction. Rablauskas can see the trajectory of the fans’ investment in the show. During the first season, they went from asking, “Aren’t you that guy?” To now, asking what’s going to happen to characters.

“I can talk to them as a fan myself, which I love to do,” he said.  “I would not trade any of this for stand-up comedy. This is such a cool world to be a part of; the fact that we get to keep doing this means so much. The stand-up is always there. It’s not like I’m going to forget how to be funny or perform … I couldn’t ask to be in a better place right now.”

Acting Good airs Mondays at 10:30 p.m.on CTV Comedy Channel, CTV.ca and the CTV app and streams next day on Crave.

Images courtesy of Bell Media.

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